I Made A Deal..

A Pirates Life

Kierras POV

"I am nothing like my father" I snapped at the older man, whose skin resembled chapped leather, that was standing in front of me.

The anger coming off as a fake confidence. His cold black eyes made me both nervous, and intrigued. He had come here, claiming to have a trade to offer but instead I received nothing but insults. Shifting my weight from one leg to the other I folded my arms across my chest.

"Now get the hell off of my ship". I turned on my left foot and walked quickly away from the man. I had my shoulder length brown hair loosely pulled back from her face with a small piece of rope that a witch in the Philippines had given me. Looking around my humble ship, now full of men both young and old working at a hasty pace.

"We set sail in ten minutes" I angrily called out to no particular person, as always I knew they were all listening.

"Yes Captain!", was the only response I received.

Climbing the small set of stairs that lead to an upper deck area my thoughts were clouded with what the man had said. He had told me that I was just a lousy captain who would run from a fight and leave her men to die, just as my father had done during his great battle.

I stand against a dark wooden raising and observe my crew. They are an interesting group of men, all unique in their own ways. I have come to know each of them, and appreciate the histories that they hold. My ships dark blue sails are hung low, the wind not strong enough for them to bellow and garner speed. The dark stained deck is being washed by a few men, and they happily sing a song detailing life at sea. Having not grown up a pirate, or with a pirate family, these men have taught me everything that I needed to know about a pirates life. They had helped me earn any respect that my name held. Unlike a life on land, pirates do not give a shit about what family you are born into. Salt water was thicker than blood.

I quickly open a large oak door and step inside of the captain's quarters, a small room filled with maps and trinkets from my previous travels. The walls and their coverings serve as daily reminders of what I have accomplished. They remind me of the seas I have sailed, and the people that I have met.

Every adventure, every lesson, every moment. Each was a trophy of the pirate I was. 

I had worked too hard to get out from under my father's reputation and title for some dirty old sea snake to remind me that I will never truly be free of him and the family name that I hold.  I had given up my title, but the shadow that it casts can never truly be escaped.

Sitting in the worn and torn chair behind the even older desk I reach down and pull out my favorite dagger and stare at the blade.

"Kierra, you are nothing like him. You would never leave your men, you would fight until they killed you, you would die with honor and on your ship"

I whisper into my reflection, trying to settle myself. Running my tongue over a small scar that dents my bottom lip, my inner thoughts are interrupted by a soft knock on the quarters door.

"Enter" I call out, sure that it is a crew mate of mine asking about a set of course. They rarely knocked, but given my mood I wouldn't be surprised if they were feeling a little more formal than usual.

A familiar face opens the door, a smile spread across their lips.

"Well if it isn't the lovely lady Captain."

My wary eyes scan the man standing at the door, unable to believe what's right before them, almost certain that my mind is playing a trick on me. He is tall and lean, his face has an unfamiliar stubble, a few shades darker than his brown curly hair. His skin is tanned, no doubt from the days spent at sea. The clothes that he is wearing are simple, but still emphasize how handsome he is. The deep burgundy jacket drawing out the green in his eyes.

Standing with my hands on my hips, my mouth slightly opens with shock and worry. "Nicholas?' I move taking a few uneasy steps forward, keeping some distance between the two of us. He smiles that cocky smile that I must admit I have has always loved.

"Hello my little vixen" His voice is almost a coo. Is he mocking me? The mention of me being his stings. He tilts his head watching my every move. He is studying my every action and reaction.

"Mind if I stow away for a while?"